FN-2187, better known as Finn, was introduced in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. He was played spectacularly by John Boyega and fans took to him quickly. However, after his brilliant introduction as a reformed stormtrooper and setup for greatness, he became one of the biggest missed opportunities in all of Star Wars. 

In the trailers and movie poster for The Force Awakens, Finn is seen wielding a lightsaber. During the film’s third act, he briefly uses Luke’s old lightsaber against Kylo Ren. This tricked a lot of fans into thinking he’d become a Jedi. A stormtrooper-turned-Jedi would be something truly incredible that hasn’t been seen in Star Wars before.

Director J.J. Abrams even stated that what Finn wanted to tell Rey (and never did) in Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker was that he’s force sensitive. This further tells us that the plan all along was to have Finn become a Jedi, but it just never happened. He’s a cool character with a unique backstory. Him becoming a Jedi would be an absolute blast to see on screen.

If they didn’t want to go the Jedi route, there was plenty of space for him to lead a stormtrooper revolt. He’s a former stormtrooper who saw the error of the First Order’s ways and joined the forces for good. He even meets a group of former stormtroopers in The Rise of Skywalker led by Jannah. They participate in the final battle, giving fans an inkling of what could have been. Finn could have spearheaded a full stormtrooper revolt by overthrowing Captain Phasma, showing her army the evils of the First Order, and leading them against the fascists. Of course, that also didn’t quite happen.

Finn’s arc had a terrific start, but it eventually just led to an interesting and well-written character being reduced to yelling to get Rey’s attention. There’s still a chance that Finn can become a Jedi if John Boyega returns to the franchise or if the character does in some way. Until then, all we have is hope.